A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and elder statesman, Bode George, has revealed that former President Olusegun Obasanjo originally planned for his former deputy, Atiku Abubakar, to succeed him as president in 2007.
George, however, alleged that Atiku’s actions and political alignment with former Lagos State governor, now President Bola Tinubu, led to the collapse of that plan.
Speaking in an interview with Daily Independent, George said Atiku’s perceived disloyalty to Obasanjo cost him the opportunity to emerge as the PDP presidential candidate in 2007.
“I warned Atiku against collaboration with Tinubu, but he refused to listen. He became the first victim, and he is still licking his wounds today. He attached himself to Tinubu like phlegm. Whether Baba Obasanjo likes it or not, he (Atiku) would have emerged as the presidential candidate of the PDP in 2007, but he blew that opportunity,” he said.
The Secret Many People Don’t Talk About… Some problems are not physical… they are spiritual. Many successful people protect their wealth, destiny, and influence spiritually — but they keep it private. If you are facing strange problems, bad dreams, business obstacles, or spiritual attacks, it may be time for a confidential spiritual check-up. Consult DR ADAMS ADAM – a trusted spiritual guide for spiritual consultation, cleansing, protection, breakthrough, wealth attraction, healing, and peaceful relationships.
Discover the hidden forces affecting your life and receive clear spiritual guidance for protection, success, and peace. 100% Confidential Consultation. Fast & Trusted Spiritual Guidance. Take the first step today toward peace, protection, and success. Call or WhatsApp: Zero Seven Zero Six Two One Five Six Eight Three Four. Consultations Available Nationwide. With God, all things are possible.
Describing the development as self-inflicted, George added, “It was self-inflicted injury which Atiku brought upon himself. He was already the governor-elect of Adamawa State then when Baba announced him as running mate.”
He further questioned the origin of the rift between the two leaders, saying, “Who created the crisis between him and Obasanjo? Did anyone force Obasanjo when he announced Atiku as his running mate in 1999? I was there in Jos, and I saw what happened. I knew many of the old men, the founding fathers, who were struggling to be the vice president. People like Bamanga Tukur, Adamu Ciroma, Solomon Lar, Abubakar Rimi and all those old people.”
George acknowledged Atiku’s role during the PDP primaries, stating, “Atiku did a great job for Baba during the Jos presidential primary. I won’t deny that fact. He and his team did a great job at the convention to ensure Obasanjo wins.”
He also disclosed that Obasanjo had a clear succession plan. “Baba told me, and I can still repeat it, that he will not pick any person older than him as running mate. He said he will not even pick anyone his age, and that anyone he will pick will be much younger than him, so that in eight years, he will be prepared to take over. So, he planned that Atiku would succeed him after eight years. Nobody would have contested with him in 2007.”
Recounting events after the Jos convention, George said, “Nobody thought it was going to be Atiku. After we woke up in the morning, Baba said, ‘Bode, proceed to Lagos. I am going to go through Abuja. We didn’t know he was going to announce his running mate in Abuja. When we finished the convention in Jos, Baba did not announce his running mate.”
He accused Atiku of undermining Obasanjo, adding, “Instead of being patient, loyal and cooperating with his boss, Atiku chose to join forces with Tinubu in Lagos. He was undermining the person who appointed him as vice-president right from day one. That was why he lost out in 2007, and since then, he has been dancing around and jumping from one place to another like a masquerade that has lost his sense of direction. He is reaping what he has sown.”